Does anybody check their own blood pressure manually with a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope?

Well over ten years ago I bought the best Omron electronic unit. Recently the numbers were a little higher and the motor sounded funny. I changed the batteries and got better numbers. Then I decided this was too important to depend on the old unit. I started researching them and found that even the best ones can be way off.

I watched a few YouTube videos on how to do this manually and found it looks surprisingly easy. Do any of you know if there is any reason you can't check your own BP manually?

The home machines seem to be hit or miss, & get worse w/age. There's no reason you can't check your own. The key to it is getting the right cuff & a decent stethoscope. Stethoscope - LittmannCuff- one that has the thin metal bar that holds/helps you tighten the cuff. I believe it's called a d bar cuff. Here's a link for visual only. I'm sure this one is crap so just use it as an idea of what to look for:https://www.activeforever.com/blood-pressure-cuff-and-stethoscope-kit

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I have 2 home use units, they give different results. Usually within a reasonable range, but every so often one goes wacko. Even at the Doctors office there has been differences between their high dollar machines and the hand pump and stethoscope. It is also important that you sit at rest for 10 minutes before you run the machine, too soon and you will get an elevated rate.

I trust a manual blood pressure check over the $40K LifePak machines we use @ work.

Same here, I agree, but though I have checked mine manually several times without a hitch, I admit at home I use an automatic one on my wrist. It is a little off from manual, but consistent enough that I would know if I was having a problem or needed a change in BP meds. Can't remember the brand name, but I paid well over $100 for it 4 or 5 years ago when I was recovering from then flesh eating disease and still working well. You can always take yours to your local fire station and have one of the firefighters check it against a manual check for you. Some we have checked have been way off. Manual is always best.

_________________________"Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. Oh! The places you'll go!" ~ Dr. Seuss

My Omron Hem 637 wrist rocket sits on the right hand side of my desk, well within reach. Older unit that has worked well for me for a long time. Just keep the battery changed regularly and it's not far off any of the Doc's Office readings.

I go by a very irregular schedule of checking the BP..but trust this one to tattletale me into hitting the pill bottle when I get too busy to remember to keep on the regular schedules with the magic pills. 4 Stents and a near miss'll do that for you. Ron

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